Gheorghe Manoliu

Gheorghe Manoliu (21 May 1888 – 28 August 1980) was a Romanian major general during World War II.

Biography He was born in 1888 in Piatra Neamț, the son of Vasile and Andromaca Manoliu, both civil servants, originally from the Ceahlău region. After graduating from Petru Rareș High School in his native city, he attended the Infantry School for Officers in Bucharest, graduating in 1909 with the rank of second lieutenant. Promoted to lieutenant in 1912, he served in 1913 in the Second Balkan War. After Romania entered World War I in August 1916 on the side of the Allies, Manoliu fought in the Romanian Campaign of 1916, commanding an infantry battalion. He fought in the Battle of Transylvania and then at First Battle of Oituz. He was promoted to captain in May 1917 and, after distinguishing himself at the Third Battle of Oituz, to major in September 1917.

After the war, he studied from 1919 to 1921 at the Higher War School in Bucharest. In 1925 he advanced to the rank of lieutenant colonel and took command of the 12th Mountain Battalion. After 5 years he became commanding officer of the Vânători de munte troops stationed in Sighetu Marmației and Satu Mare.

In March 1942 the brigade was reorganized as the 4th Mountain Division and Manoliu was promoted to major general. The final assault was launched on July 1, with street combat lasting until July 4, when the remaining Soviet defenses were overrun and all organized resistance collapsed. Starting in September 1942, the 4th Mountain Division had the mission to secure and defend the Black Sea coastline of the Crimea, first from Feodosia to Simferopol, and later from Feodosia to Kerch. In February 1949 he was condemned to 45 years imprisonment as a war criminal. after which he was released. Order of Michael the Brave, 3rd Class on 17 October 1941. Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 30 August 1942 as Divisions-General of the 4th Romanian Mountain Division. Order of the Star of Romania, Officer class, 1943